Police Hunt For Cause of Bangkok Pub Fire That Killed 27 People

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution calling for the formation of an independent Truth Commission to investigate the recent unrest that claimed several lives and left many others injured. The proposed commission will examine the causes of the violence, investigate all reported deaths, injuries and property damage, and recommend measures to provide relief to victims and prevent similar incidents in the future. The move comes after violent clashes between law enforcement personnel and protesters in Rawalakot, where both security officials and demonstrators reported casualties. The unrest sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for an impartial investigation. According to the resolution, the Truth Commission will function as an independent and impartial body. Its structure, powers and terms of reference will be finalised jointly by the federal government and representatives of the protest leadership before being formally established under AJK law. The commission will be tasked with reviewing all aspects of the recent crisis. It will examine evidence related to deaths, injuries, property losses and allegations of violence. Authorities said the inquiry will be conducted without any predetermined conclusions, ensuring that every affected family and relevant party has an opportunity to present evidence and testimony. The proposed body will have access to official records, including government documents, police reports, forensic material, communication records, videos and witness statements. Sensitive information involving national security or witness protection may be reviewed through confidential proceedings. The Assembly clarified that the commission will not determine criminal guilt or hand down punishments. Instead, if evidence suggests legal violations, the matter will be referred to the relevant investigative or judicial authorities for further action. Individuals or institutions facing adverse findings will also be given an opportunity to respond before any conclusions are reached. The commission will submit interim and final reports within an agreed timeframe. Its final report is expected to be made public, subject to legal restrictions concerning national security and witness safety. It may also recommend compensation for victims, institutional reforms, legal action where necessary and measures to prevent future unrest. The resolution also called for immediate de-escalation of tensions across the region. It urged the government to restore normal life by reopening roads, ensuring medical and emergency services, improving communication networks and maintaining the uninterrupted supply of essential goods. At the same time, protest organisers were urged to suspend demonstrations until the commission completes its work. The governments of AJK and Pakistan were also asked to avoid further actions linked to the crisis during the inquiry, except where immediate measures are required to protect public safety. The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values, constitutional governance and the rule of law. It stressed that peaceful protest, freedom of expression and the right to raise political, economic and social demands are guaranteed under democratic principles. However, it strongly rejected violence, vandalism, the use of weapons and attempts to challenge state authority through force. Lawmakers paid tribute to security personnel, police officials and civilians who lost their lives during the unrest. They expressed sympathy with all affected families and stressed that every victim deserves justice, humanitarian assistance and equal treatment under the law. The House also appealed to citizens, political workers, traders and youth to distance themselves from violent elements. It emphasised that responsibility for any unlawful acts should be determined individually through evidence and due legal process rather than collective blame.

Lahore Police have directed that no woman should remain at any police station after sunset, introducing a new measure that officials say is aimed at ensuring the safety and dignity of women. The directive was issued by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Muhammad Faisal Kamran during a crime review meeting with officers of the City Division. He instructed police personnel to treat women with respect and ensure that female complainants as well as women taken into custody are not kept at police stations after Maghrib. According to the directive, police officers must adopt procedures that protect women’s privacy and dignity while dealing with complaints or investigations. The decision comes in the wake of growing concerns over crimes against women and follows the arrest of a Lahore police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman with a mental health condition. According to police, the woman had left her home and did not return for several hours. Her family later learned from a local resident that a plain-clothes police officer had taken her away on a motorcycle. The victim later alleged that the officer took her to another location and sexually assaulted her. Following the allegations, police registered a case against the accused officer. DIG Investigation Syed Zeeshan Raza ordered an immediate and transparent investigation, directing investigators to proceed strictly on merit. The incident also led to disciplinary action within the police department, with 78 police officials reportedly suspended as authorities launched an internal review of the case. While police officials say the new directive is intended to safeguard women, some critics argue that restricting women’s presence at police stations does not address the root problem. They contend that law enforcement agencies should instead focus on ensuring police stations remain safe and accessible for women at all hours.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Salman Akram Raja has called for meetings between the party’s founder, Imran Khan, and his sisters and medical team. Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Raja said PTI representatives had met the Registrar of the Supreme Court. During the meeting, they requested that the cases involving the party founder be taken up for hearing without further delay. The PTI leader also demanded that Imran Khan be allowed to meet his sisters. He said access to his doctors should also be restored so that his health can be properly monitored. Raja said the party had been assured that the pending cases would be scheduled for hearing next week. He added that the relevant cause list would also be issued. He expressed concern over the long gap between Imran Khan and his doctors. According to Raja, the PTI founder has not been able to meet his medical team for around one and a half years. Raja questioned the reason for preventing regular medical consultations. He said the issue was particularly important because of concerns about Imran Khan’s health. The PTI leader also discussed the former prime minister’s political activities. He said Imran Khan had the right to express his political views. However, Raja said the party was prepared to ensure that political discussions did not take place if they could affect Imran Khan’s health. He said the priority at present was his medical well-being and access to proper healthcare. Raja said the matter would be taken before the court next week. He indicated that the party would seek judicial intervention on meetings with family members and doctors. The PTI has repeatedly raised concerns over access to Imran Khan and his medical care. The latest demand comes as the party awaits hearings in several cases involving its founder.